“Right.” I sit up and let out a yawn. I was in a really nice, deep sleep.
* **
I watch her put her dinner together in a lunchbox. I could watch her move through the kitchen in those scrubs all day. Soon enough I’ll actually be able to. We just got up from the second nap. I didn’t sleep the entire time. I want to be sure I’ll be able to sleep tonight.
“What are you thinking about?” She asks without even looking at me.
“What?”
“Something’s bothering you,” she states.
“I’m good,” I lie. But only because I am not talking about her engagement right now. She leaves for work in ten minutes. I really didn’t think I was acting any different.
“Well, you’re not saying much.”
“I just like to watch you. That’s all.”
Her gaze meets mine. “No, you’re thinking about something.”
“I’m good. It’s good.”
She tilts her head. “Jesse.”
“You leave for work soon, I know you’re distracted with that. Which is fine, but it’s not a good night to throw anything else on you.”
She sets everything down and looks me in the eye. “I’m not leaving until you tell me.”
“It’s not a big deal.”
“Then just tell me.” Her voice is tighter than before. “C’mon, if this was you, you’d be begging me.”
Knowing she’s right, I quickly come to terms with bringing up the conversation.
“Okay.” I adjust myself in the barstool. “You never really told me much about your previous engagement.”
She squints. “Where is this coming from?”
“Just … thinking is all.”
“Okay …” she stutters. “What do you wanna know?”
“What happened?”
“It didn’t work out? He wasn’t my person. You’re my person.”
“Right. But did something happen? What made you say yes and then take it back?”
“Huh. Jesse, why wouldn’t you start this conversation earlier in the night? I have to leave. I don’t have time to talk about it.” There’s irritation in her tone.
“Yeah, I know that, Ella. Why do you think I was trying to avoid it?”
She grumbles and shoves her lunchbox in her bag. Heading to the door, I follow her.
“We’ll talk another time. Have a good shift.” I tell her.
She sighs. “Yeah. Right.”
“Hey.” I grab her arm, stopping her. “I love you.” I kiss her even though I don’t think she wants me to.
